real-life love stories • resources for brides

real-life love stories

resources for brides

welcome to the blog

As a Kansas City wedding photographer, I'm in the business of capturing beauty. But
just as important a part of the job is providing my clients with information they need
to ensure their wedding goes off without a hitch (other than the intended one, of course!). 

I share a lot of those helpful details here, alongside featured engagement sessions and weddings. So take a look around for inspiration as well as insight that I hope will help you
make the most of your own wedding-planning process. And if I can assist in any way, just ask!




As a Kansas City wedding photographer, I'm in the business of capturing beauty. But just as important a part of the job is providing my clients with information they need to ensure their wedding goes off without a hitch (other than the intended one, of course!).  

I share a lot of those helpful details here, alongside featured engagement sessions and weddings. So take a look around for inspiration as well as insight that I hope will help you make the most of your own wedding-planning process. And if I can assist in any way, just ask!




and other words of wisdom                  

erin wisdom-watson
thanks for stopping by!
I'm so happy you're here.
let's connect:
(quite literally!)
we have you covered
with a custom timeline!

I have you covered
with a custom timeline!

unsure how long you need a photographer?

click here to
create yours!

free resource!

In most cases, it's advisable from a timeline perspective for the bride and groom to have a first look and then to do a majority of their portraits prior to the ceremony. This tends to create a more relaxed flow for the day. 

However, only you can decide whether it's a priority for you to wait until the walk down the aisle to see your fiancé. So pick the option below that best suits you!

do you plan to
do a first look?

yes, I'm all
for a first look.

no thanks, 
i think I'll wait.

will you have a long
break between events?

will you have
a long break?

This refers to a break of more than two hours between the ceremony and reception (as opposed to a shorter break like a cocktail hour). Lengthy delays like this typically occur only at Catholic weddings.

It's worth noting that this scenario is one that often lends itself well to shooting portraits after the ceremony and thus may not require a first look for making the day flow smoothly.

yes, I'll have
a long break.

yes, I'll
have a
long break.

no, my events
are back-to-back.

no, my
events are back-to-back.

WILL YOU HAVE A LONG
BREAK BETWEEN EVENTS?

WILL YOU HAVE
A LONG BREAK?

This refers to a break of more than two hours between the ceremony and reception (as opposed to a shorter break like a cocktail hour). Lengthy delays like this typically occur only at Catholic weddings.

It's worth noting that this scenario is one that often lends itself well to shooting portraits after the ceremony and thus may not require a first look for making the day flow smoothly.

yes, I'll have
a long break.

yes, I'll
have a
long break.

no, my events
are back-to-back.

no, my
events are back-to-back.

WILL YOU TRAVEL
BETWEEN LOCATIONS?

Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.

It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations.

Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.

It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations – even if everything is fairly close together.

yes, I'll need to allow travel time.

no, I'll  be staying
at one site all day.

no, I'll  be staying at one site all day.

WILL YOU TRAVEL
BETWEEN LOCATIONS?

Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.

It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations.

Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.

It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations – even if everything is fairly close together.

yes, I'll need to allow travel time.

no, I'll  be staying
at one site all day.

no, I'll  be staying at one site all day.

WILL YOU travel
BETWEEN LOCATIONS?

Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.

It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations.

Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.

It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations – even if everything is fairly close together.

yes, I'll need to allow travel time.

no, I'll  be staying
at one site all day.

no, I'll  be staying at one site all day.

WILL YOU TRAVEL
BETWEEN LOCATIONS?

Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.

It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations.

Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.

It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations – even if everything is fairly close together.

yes, I'll need to allow travel time.

no, I'll  be staying
at one site all day.

no, I'll  be staying at one site all day.

Do you want your
grand exit captured?

Do you want your exit captured?

This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.

In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.

This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.

In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.

yes, I want my exit captured.

no, I don't need all-day coverage. 

DO YOU WANT YOUR
GRAND EXIT CAPTURED?

DO YOU WANT YOUR
EXIT CAPTURED?

This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.

In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.

This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.

In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.

yes, I want my exit captured.

no, I don't need all-day coverage. 

DO YOU WANT YOUR
GRAND EXIT CAPTURED?

DO YOU WANT YOUR
EXIT CAPTURED?

This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.

In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.

This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.

In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.

yes, I want my exit captured.

no, I don't need all-day coverage. 

DO YOU WANT YOUR
GRAND EXIT CAPTURED?

DO YOU WANT YOUR
EXIT CAPTURED?

This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.

In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.

This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.

In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.

yes, I want my exit captured.

no, I don't need all-day coverage. 

DO YOU WANT YOUR
GRAND EXIT CAPTURED?

DO YOU WANT YOUR
EXIT CAPTURED?

This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.

In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.

This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.

In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.

yes, I want my exit captured.

no, I don't need all-day coverage. 

DO YOU WANT YOUR
GRAND EXIT CAPTURED?

DO YOU WANT YOUR
EXIT CAPTURED?

This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.

In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.

This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.

In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.

yes, I want my exit captured.

no, I don't need all-day coverage. 

DO YOU WANT YOUR
GRAND EXIT CAPTURED?

DO YOU WANT YOUR EXIT CAPTURED?

This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.

In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.

This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.

In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.

yes, I want my exit captured.

no, I don't need all-day coverage. 

DO YOU WANT YOUR
GRAND EXIT CAPTURED?

DO YOU WANT YOUR
EXIT CAPTURED?

This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.

In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.

This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.

In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.

yes, I want my exit captured.

no, I don't need all-day coverage. 

your timeline
is ready! yay!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

submit

your timeline
is ready! yay!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

submit

your timeline
is ready! yay!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

submit

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

your timeline
is ready! yay!

submit

your timeline
is ready! yay!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

submit

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

your timeline
is ready! yay!

submit

your timeline
is ready! yay!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

submit

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

your timeline
is ready! yay!

submit

your timeline
is ready! yay!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

submit

your timeline
is ready! yay!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

submit

your timeline
is ready! yay!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

submit

your timeline
is ready! yay!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

submit

your timeline
is ready! yay!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

submit

your timeline
is ready! yay!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

submit

your timeline
is ready! yay!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

submit

your timeline
is ready! yay!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)

The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!

submit
create your custom timeline
just answer a few questions to find your best fit!

A KANSAS STATEHOUSE ENGAGEMENT SESSION

A year is a long time to hold out hope for a first date – but in his mind, she was worth the wait. It was during a homecoming scavenger hunt at Washburn University that she caught his eye, unaware as she searched the campus for clues that she’d just sent him on a hunt of his own. Of course, […]

OPEN

A year is a long time to hold out hope for a first date – but in his mind, she was worth the wait. It was during a homecoming scavenger hunt at Washburn University that she caught his eye, unaware as she searched the campus for clues that she’d just sent him on a hunt of his own. Of course, […]

A KANSAS STATEHOUSE ENGAGEMENT SESSION

OPEN
engagement

...

OPEN

AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION IN DOWNTOWN LEE’S SUMMIT

Just when she was about to give up hope of finding a special someone, along he came. At first, their encounters were through a chat room they both liked to frequent. But before long, he was very much a part of her real life – and they’ll solidify that life they now share by exchanging vows next summer. […]

OPEN

AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION IN DOWNTOWN LEE’S SUMMIT

Just when she was about to give up hope of finding a special someone, along he came. At first, their encounters were through a chat room they both liked to frequent. But before long, he was very much a part of her real life – and they’ll solidify that life they now share by exchanging vows next summer. […]

engagement

...

A MULTICULTURAL WEDDING AT ARMOUR THEATRE

When she made good on her promise to take her daughter swimming on the last day of the season, Shannon had no idea it would also be the first day of her story with the man from around the world she’d one day marry. But thanks to a game of Marco Polo, these two found one another against all odds. […]

OPEN

When she made good on her promise to take her daughter swimming on the last day of the season, Shannon had no idea it would also be the first day of her story with the man from around the world she’d one day marry. But thanks to a game of Marco Polo, these two found one another against all odds. […]

A MULTICULTURAL WEDDING AT ARMOUR THEATRE

OPEN
wedding

...

OPEN

A 10TH ANNIVERSARY VOW RENEWAL IN TONGANOXIE

When Sara agreed to tie the knot in Vegas a decade ago, she had two conditions: For their 10th anniversary, she’d have a dress and a professional photographer. And almost exactly 10 years later, she had not only those but also a classic car (and a cake to match) – plus her daughter as […]

OPEN

A 10TH ANNIVERSARY VOW RENEWAL IN TONGANOXIE

When Sara agreed to tie the knot in Vegas a decade ago, she had two conditions: For their 10th anniversary, she’d have a dress and a professional photographer. And almost exactly 10 years later, she had not only those but also a classic car (and a cake to match) – plus her daughter as […]

wedding

...

A FALL SESSION AT BRIARCLIFF WATERFALL

Maybe that moment they locked eyes should have been a lesson: Sometimes, you can’t help but fall. This is what Presley Melvin found, anyway, when she stumbled on the stair stepper that day at the student rec center she and Theo Dean first caught one another’s attention. Looking down from the […]

OPEN

Maybe that moment they locked eyes should have been a lesson: Sometimes, you can’t help but fall. This is what Presley Melvin found, anyway, when she stumbled on the stair stepper that day at the student rec center she and Theo Dean first caught one another’s attention. Looking down from the […]

A FALL SESSION AT BRIARCLIFF WATERFALL

OPEN
engagement

...

OPEN

A PLAZA AREA ENGAGEMENT SESSION AT SUNSET

The odds were never in their favor. Truly, a woman from the Midwest and a man from the Middle East were unlikely to ever cross paths – let alone fall in love after a chance encounter at a public pool. But that’s exactly what happened to these two, who will tie the knot in a multicultural ceremony […]

OPEN

A PLAZA AREA ENGAGEMENT SESSION AT SUNSET

The odds were never in their favor. Truly, a woman from the Midwest and a man from the Middle East were unlikely to ever cross paths – let alone fall in love after a chance encounter at a public pool. But that’s exactly what happened to these two, who will tie the knot in a multicultural ceremony […]

engagement

...

we have you covered
with a custom timeline!

unsure how
long you need
a photographer
at your wedding?

click here to
create yours!
free resource!

we haven't been everywhere,
but it's on our list.

>
back to business
wisdom-watson
wanderlust
I have you covered with a custom timeline!

we have you covered
with a custom timeline!

unsure how
long you need
a photographer
at your wedding?

click here to
create yours!

free resource!

© 2024 Wisdom-Watson Weddings LLC | all rights reserved

© 2024 Wisdom-Watson Weddings LLC
all rights reserved